26/08/2024
It was September 2009 and Dad and I were touring round the football grounds raising money for charity. We arrived at Notts County, ground number 50 odd of the 92 and we’d managed to get inside all stadiums before it, but as we stood in reception getting our cameras ready, we were told by the gentleman on the front desk that despite having months of prior notice and agreement, we wouldn’t be able to go inside the stadium today. That was the tour.. that was what we had to do to complete the challenge and raise money for Great Ormond Street. He apologised, but wasn’t willing to help.
At that moment, Sven and a few others emerged from a meeting room and into reception. We asked for a photo and as he posed with our bear, asked us about our tour and how we were getting on. We explained the situation and that we weren’t being allowed in.
He simply said “Oh yes you will be. We’ll make that happen now..”
And he did. And despite being incredibly busy, he spent 15 minutes just talking to us about England, signing Sol Campbell & the rest of our tour. Never once looked at his watch or made us feel like we were holding him up.
We’ll always be immensely grateful for his time, hospitality and courtesy.
You gave the whole of England a lifelong memory with the 5-1 win in Munich, but you gave my Dad & I a memory we’ll take to the grave on that day 15 years ago.
Thank you Sven. Rest In Peace ❤️